Robert Hampel

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Robert Hampel is a professor emeritus in the School of Education at the University of Delaware and a historian of education who also studies contemporary educational policy. In December 2017, Dr. Hampel published Fast and Curious: A History of Shortcuts in American Education, a book on “shortcuts to learning” or the legitimate and bogus ways to make education (or its illusion) both faster and easier. He was recently featured on Have You Heard’s episode on “Mail Order Schools: The Past and Present of Distance Learning.”

From 2002 to 2011, Dr. Hampel served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the national History of Education Society. In Delaware, he has also served as a Public Service Fellow for the Governor, a trustee of the Sanford School, and a consultant to the Department of Education.

In 1995, he won the University of Delaware’s highest award for excellence in teaching, and in 2009, he received the prize for outstanding mentoring of graduate students.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., History, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1980
• B.A., History, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 1972

Professional Experience

• Professor Emeritus, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2024-present
• Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1997–2024
• Interim Director, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2010–2012
• Interim Director, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1998–2000
• Associate Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1988–1997
• Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1985–1988

Recent Professional Awards

• Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, 2013
• Outstanding Graduate Advisement and Mentoring Award, University of Delaware, 2009
• Distinguished Faculty Award, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1997
• Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Delaware, 1995